Peter Michael Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Au Paradis 2016

99 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2016 Au Paradis is borderline perfection in a glass and shows the incredible quality both of this estate and the vintage. Tons of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, savory spice, dried earth, and graphite notes all emerge from this full-bodied, structured, concentrated effort that reminds me of a First Growth Pauillac. With building tannins and incredible purity of fruit, it’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle and keep for three decades. Drink: 2023-2053. (6/14/19)"

99 points James Suckling: "Loads of blackberries, blackcurrants, pine needles, lavender, meat and hints of fresh sage. Full bodied and layered with fine tannins. So polished and beautiful. I love the polish, the gorgeous sensibility and length. Refreshing and bright. I have enjoyed tasting it and pondering its greatness. Try to drink after 2023. (5/3/19)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is a compelling wine that captures the essence of what makes the Eastern Hills of Oakville such a hallowed ground. Cabernet Franc-infused aromatics add striking nuance and freshness to the black cherry, raspberry coulis, mocha, leather and smoke flavors. Dense, powerful and explosive, with tremendous resonance in all directions, the 2016 Au Paradis is superb. The blend is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Drink: 2023-2036. (May 2019)"

94+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Au Paradis is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it offers up gregarious notions of warm redcurrants, black cherries and cassis with nuances of violets, wild sage, cast iron pan, wood smoke, charcuterie and cloves. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with firm, very ripe, grainy tannins, wonderful freshness and elegance and a long mineral-tinged finish. 1,740 cases produced, to be released in autumn 2019. Drink: 2019-2038. (Oct 2018)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Alluring sage and anise notes lead off, giving way to gently steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors. Baker's chocolate, loam and tobacco details emerge through the finish, adding range and depth. Best from 2020 through 2030. 1,772 cases made. (10/15/19)"

Producer notes: "76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc. To the eye, 2016 Au Paradis presents a near black ruby color with violet highlights. The nose is elegant and packed with aromas of black currant and cassis with meaty nuances and touches of plum brandy, vanilla, caramel, clove and cinnamon. The flavors mirror the nose with additional notes of ‘pain d’épices’, fresh leather and olive, framed with plentiful, but fine-grained tannins and an iron-like minerality. The mouth feel is round, refined and complex with an incredible length of finish. Approachable now, the wine will handsomely reward five years of cellaring and will continue to age gracefully for two decades or more. Alcohol 15.4%."